Three Trends To Be Thankful For

November 20, 2018

By Rich Stoehr

SanMar U Contributor

It’s that time of year again. Time to get together with family and friends, share an unreasonably large amount of food, and remember all the things that we’re thankful for. Here at SanMar, there are three trends in particular that stand out.

Nostalgia

Everyone loves a good throwback, and you don’t have to look far to see it in the promotional products industry. Nostalgic trends look back to specific points in the past with fondness, and an eye towards recreating the feeling of that bygone era.

Optimism

It’s inspiring to see our heroes larger than life on the big screen and elsewhere, and it reflects a trend of optimism we’re seeing across modern culture in general, including in apparel.

Positivity is replacing doom and gloom in both fashion and decoration, while brands connect to their customers through a shared feeling of hope. Bright colors rule the day, with logos designed to pop both in the retail market as well as on social media.

Individuality

Our unique identities shine through in a world of information overload and social sharing, and today you can change your identity as often as you upload pictures to Instagram.

Expressing your unique style is always in fashion, but never more so than today, as men and women look for apparel that reflects their own fashion sense over “tried and true” standards. This could mean wearing that classic shirt that’s uniquely you, or trying on a brand new bag for a whole new look.

Nostalgia. Optimism. Individuality. An appreciation for the past, hope for the future, and the unique determination that will get us there. As we celebrate the year nearly gone and look forward to the year to come, it’s no wonder that we’re thankful that these trends have defined our industry, and our world.